A shadow crossed Emi’s face. “You mean when you commanded me to break a man I knew? Even though you know why I vowed never to do such things with my craft again?”

Gods, I was a piece of shit. What was there to say? Emi was the only piece of my home clan I cared to keep. We had trust, yes, but in a way I’d broken a piece of it.

I will never ask it again. We needed the craft to take hold.

“I know, Roark. But next time find a way to leave me out of it.”

Did it hurt you?

“Physically?” She stretched her neck and rolled her shoulders. “A little. My heart? Yes, it shattered. I actually like Darkwin. He was one of the few decent recruits who did not think I was only meant for his bed.”

I offered a small nod of understanding. Will you think I am an absolute ass if I ask another favor of you?

“Oh, likely, but I do love having debts between us.” She strode across the room, pausing a step away.

I held up the twine-wrapped sheets of parchment Prince Thane and I had been writing on since the first winter I was found at the gates.

Emi flipped through some. “What am I to do with these?”

For the melder.

“Oh, really.” A bit of pink stained her cheeks.

Don’t. You’re doing it again.

“I didn’t say anything.”

She ought to know what I am saying. It means nothing more.

Emi clicked her tongue and propped her chin onto the heel of her hand. “Strange, but you cared little if Melder Fadey understood you.”

I frowned. Fadey was an ass.

“I don’t disagree.” Emi’s face grew somber. “Are you ever going to tell me what happened with the fara wolf?”

Doubtful.

“Roark, be careful how you go. With Lyra now in Stonegate, it’s only a matter of time before the clan finds out. Lust for vengeance never dwindled, I told you this.”

I know. My shoulders stiffened.

Emi tugged on the end of a lock of her hair. “Then be wary of getting close to the melder when—”

One wave of my hand cut her off. I jabbed a finger at her and spoke with my other hand. Enough. I know my duty, and I will see it through. I stepped back into the corridor. Now, will you deliver the ledger? I need to meet with the king.

“Gods, I said I would and I will.” Emi hugged the sheets of parchment to her chest, still offering up the aggravating grin she’d mastered so well. “But I’m just saying you’ve never wanted to have anyone speak to you and—”

I’d already started down the hallway.